Category: Public Info

COVID-19 safety rules apply; event is open to all Union County residents.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that the next mobile paper shredding event of 2021 will be held in Plainfield on Friday, April 23, for free, secure shredding of personal and confidential documents.

“Union County’s mobile document shredding service helps residents fight identity theft by providing a convenient way to shred confidential documents,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Al Mirabella “It also promotes our County recycling efforts and ties in with other green initiatives in Union County.”

At Union County’s paper shredding events, documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company, lifted into the truck and shredded on site. The shredded documents are then taken to a licensed recycling facility.

The April 23 shredding event will take place at Cedar Brook Park, located on Park Avenue in Plainfield. The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. rain or shine. The event will close prior to 1:00 p.m. if the trucks reach capacity.

For everyone’s safety, residents must wear face coverings, keep their windows closed and remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed, easily accessible to staff, for safe no-contact removal from vehicle.

All Union County residents are eligible to use the free paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per vehicle. Preferably, documents should be brought in paper bags.

Documents should be removed from any bindings. Plastic or metal clips and other non-paper items should also be removed.

Participants are reminded that pre-shredded paper will not be accepted. Wet or damp paper is also not accepted.

Union County’s free shedding events are intended for personal, sensitive documents only. Residents should recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program.

For more information on recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

For the latest news and updates on all municipal and countywide recycling programs in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach app. More information is available at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at ucnj.org/green-connection.

The mobile paper shredding program is paid for through Recycling Enhancement Act Grant funds, which are applied for by Union County and received from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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By Alexander Mirabella

Chairman, Union County Board of Commissioners

As Earth Day approaches, many Union County residents and visitors look for ways in which to commemorate the event.

Picking up litter, planting trees, and producing educational programs are among the many traditional Earth Day activities supported by the Board of Commissioners.

We also recognize that our everyday habits can have an impact on the environment, and we encourage the whole Union County community to learn new ways in which we can all make a difference, every day.

One good place to start is the statewide Choose to Reuse NJ campaign. The campaign aims to encourage shoppers to bring reusable bags when shopping, to help cut down on single-use bag.

In particular, single-use plastic bags have become notorious symbols of environmental damage. When disposed improperly, plastic bags easily become windblown litter that can harm wildlife in our County parks. They can also blow into local waterways and travel to the ocean, where they impact marine life.

To help prevent this damage, a new state law will ban single-use paper and plastic grocery bags effective in May of 2022. Visitors to Union County parks can help prepare for the change by using sturdy tote bags or backpacks to carry picnic items and other gear, instead of relying on single-use bags.

Used or broken fishing line is another form of plastic waste that can harm wildlife. Visitors to County parks can help prevent birds, turtles and other local wildlife from getting tangled up, by depositing used or broken fishing line in the “Reel in and Recycle” bins now located at several popular fishing spots throughout the County parks system.

Visitors to our parks can also pitch in this year by keeping an eye out for the spotted lanternfly. This invasive pest threatens our native trees and other plants, and they should be destroyed on site.

We also continue our free countywide recycling events, and we recently introduced the Recycle Coach mobile app to help our residents keep up-to-date on news and schedules for their local recycling programs as well as countywide events.

More information about Recycle Coach and all Union County recycling programs is available online at ucnj.org/recycle.

This year we are also continuing our traditional Arbor Day activities, aimed encouraging the public to plant and care for trees. Earlier this month, we provided free trees for tree-planting activities at local schools and we are now reviewing submissions to our annual Arbor Day poetry contest for students.

Another ongoing program supported by the Board of Commissioners is the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. The Extension continues to run environmental programs for adults and students, and they have introduced new online activities, too. More information is available at ucnj.org/rce.

And finally, I am very happy to report that Union County will host a special Earth Day celebration this year, on Saturday, April 24, on the grounds of our Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

We are delighted to bring back this annual event. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet live animals, celebrate wildlife, and embrace environmental conservation in our community. Visitors can stroll the grounds or sign up in advance for scheduled activities. For more information, visit ucnj.org/trailside.

For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County, visit ucnj.org/green-connection.

Let us all celebrate this Earth Day, every day.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

COVID-19 safety measures apply.

Union County, NJ – As the summer approaches, the Union County Board of Commissioners welcomes residents to enjoy the Union County Archery Range at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. This outdoor public archery range is the first, and only, facility of its kind in the region.

“The Archery Range provides an inclusive activity for all Union County residents to enjoy, from beginners to seasoned archers, and it is fully accessible to welcome persons with disabilities,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Archery Range is open to any Union County resident or visitor age nine and older with an Archery ID Card. The ID card can be obtained by passing a safety course offered through the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, consisting of a training session followed by hands-on instruction at the range.

To sign up for a group safety lesson, or to renew an existing Archery ID card, call 908-527-4900 or visit ucnj.org/archery.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, mask and social distancing measures have been implemented at the Archery Range. All even-numbered stalls are closed to allow for social distancing, and only one archer and one household member are allowed to share a lane.

In addition, the size of the group safety lessons has been limited to eight participants to allow for social distancing, and the range will be closed to other archers during the lessons.

For more information about Oak Ridge Park and all Union County recreation facilities, visit ucnj.org/parks.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Commissioner Board invites residents and visitors to enjoy a live performance of Shout! by Susanna Rich on Wednesday, April 14, at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom, in celebration of National Poetry Month.

Shout! is a collection of Rich’s original poetry, retelling the struggle of women’s suffrage and equality during key historical moments.

“We are proud to honor the women’s suffrage movement as we celebrate National Poetry Month,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Their fight for equal rights was the work of generations, and their story is still relevant today.”

Shout! is a free event. Pre-registration is required to receive the Zoom link, by visiting https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x3PdqD03RKCF0V0gGHuXDg​.

Susanna Rich is a Professor of English at Kean University specializing in historical poetry, with a focus on creating a dynamic experience for readers and audiences. Along with an Emmy nomination, Rich has been awarded a Fulbright Fellowship in Creative Writing and received numerous other honors for her poetry.

To learn more about Susanna Rich, visit susannarich.com.

This program is hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs and funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/ or call 908-558-2550.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Event at UC Vo-Tech in Scotch Plains; COVID-19 safety rules apply

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced today that there will be a free Drive-Up screening of “The Croods – A New Age” at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains on Friday, April 23. Parking begins at 7:00 p.m. and the movie will begin at dusk. The rain date for this event is scheduled for Saturday, April 24.

Due to space limitations, advanced reservations are required. To register, go to ucnj.org/reserve/ beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, April 16. Only one registration is required per vehicle.

“The Union County Drive-up movie series provides families with a great way to enjoy a night out with safety in mind,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The following rules and guidelines apply to residents wishing to attend:

• The event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols.
• The event is open to Union County residents ONLY.
• The event is free to attend but pre-registration is required.
• Due to space limitations reservations will be available on a first come, first served basis.
• To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes or chairs are permitted.
• Attendees must bring their own snacks and drinks. There will not be any food or drink available for purchase. Alcohol is not permitted.
• Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing.
• Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns)
• Port-o-johns will be available. Masks are required when using the port-o-johns.

Further details will be available to residents upon registration.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Masks are required and must be worn by all participants, and social distancing guidelines must be observed.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents of all ages to meet live animals, celebrate wildlife and embrace environmental conservation at a fun and educational event in honor of Earth Day at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. The event takes place outdoors on the grounds of the Trailside Center on Saturday, April 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“Our Earth Day event provides residents and visitors of all ages with an opportunity to celebrate the Earth as a community while enjoying the outdoors with family and friends,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Among other activities, Earth Day at Trailside features three live animal experiences:

• In Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery, visitors will meet live snakes, turtles and an alligator as they learn about the characteristics of these cold-blooded creatures. This show is offered at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
• Enjoy an amazing and comical presentation featuring live mammals and birds from around the world with Eyes of the Wild at 12:30 p.m.
• Listen for the sounds of spring and have fun looking for wildflowers, young leaves, bird nests and baby animals by taking part in a guided Spring Nature Walk. The walks are offered at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Pre-registration is required for all programs. To register, visit ucnj.org/trailside.

A fee per person per program of $7.00 applies for Union County residents. The fee is $8.00 for non-county residents.

As part of the Earth Day Every Day, event visitors can take a self-guided stroll along Union County’s Sensory Friendly Trail and enjoy a Recycled Art Wildlife Walk. Residents will learn about the importance of recycling as they encounter colorful eco-art made from more than 4,000 recycled plastic bottles as part of this free outdoor exhibit. No pre-registration is required for this activity.

Masks are required and must be worn by all participants, and social distancing guidelines must be observed.

Earth Day is officially recognized worldwide each year on April 22. For more information visit earthday.org.

For more information about the special programs offered for Earth Day and upcoming programs for seniors, families and children at Trailside, visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

In-person activities in Union County parks are limited during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with statewide public health guidelines, and Trailside is closed to the public until further notice.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, including online resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Invasive insect threatens native trees and plants, and can destroy valuable crops.

Union County, NJ – A different kind of Earth Day project is available in April to all Union County residents and visitors this spring: help destroy the spotted lanternfly and its eggs, too. It is important to act at now, because the eggs of the spotted lanternfly typically hatch from late April to early May.

Earth Day 2021 will take place on Thursday, April 22.

“The spotted lanternfly is a new pest that threatens our efforts to preserve native habitat in our public parks. We all have a stake in ensuring that the spotted lanternfly does not take hold in Union County, so please keep an eye out for the adults and eggs in your backyard, and in parks and other public places,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Al Mirabella.

Both juvenile and adult spotted lanternflies are eye-catching. The juveniles will appear by May, after the eggs hatch. They are small, crawling insects about the size of the dime. They have shiny black coats with bright white spots, or red coats with white spots and black stripes. Their legs are black with white spots.

The adult is about the size of a typical moth, or slightly larger. Their upper wings are a papery whitish hue with black speckles.  The upper wings open to reveal bright red and black lower wings underneath.

When startled, the adult can quickly hop and glide away like a grasshopper, so stealth is advised when approaching one. Both adults and juveniles should be immediately crushed underfoot, or by any other means.

The eggs are more difficult to distinguish, because they are laid in flat, grayish patches that can blend into their surroundings. However, there are telltale signs. A freshly laid egg patch resembles a small dab of wet mud, about 1” long. Over time, it develops cracks that can resemble miniature tire treads. The appearance of seed-like rows means the eggs are ready to hatch.

Lanternflies prefer to lay their eggs on flat surfaces. The egg patches mainly appear on trees about 10 feet off the ground. They can also appear on rocks, vehicles and other manufactured surfaces.

Egg patches should be destroyed by using a plastic card or other sturdy object to crush them where they are, then scraping them off the surface.

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species and a serious threat to New Jersey’s agriculture industry and wildlife habitats. It can damage or kill native trees like the black walnut, red maple, silver maple, and river birch. It can also carve a destructive path through valuable crops and other plants.

To help fight the spotted lanternfly in New Jersey, report sightings to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture by using the online reporting tool.  For other questions about the spotted lanternfly, contact the Department of Agriculture at 1-866-BAD-BUGZ or email SLF-plantindustry@ag.nj.gov.

For more information, including photos of the lanternfly and its eggs at various stages, visit nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/prog/spottedlanternfly.

Information on Earth Day activities at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center will be available soon at ucnj.org/trailside. The Trailside Center is located in the Watchung Reservation, at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests in local communities, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents who are looking for a summer job can apply now for lifeguard positions at Union County’s public swimming pool, the Walter Ulrich Memorial Pool, which is located at Rahway River Park in Rahway.

“The Ulrich pool provides our residents with a rewarding work environment and valuable experience such as management, emergency response and interpersonal skills every year,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Lifeguard positions are available to Union County residents age 16 and up. Training is available for applicants who are not certified. To apply for a lifeguard position, please call or text 908-868-2725.

Please keep in mind that these positions are seasonal (Memorial Day to Labor Day).

For more information about Ulrich Pool, Rahway River Park and all Union County recreation facilities visit online at ucnj.org/parks.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

April 14 is the deadline for voters who plan to change parties before the 2021 Gubernatorial Primary Election  

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Elections reminds voters who plan to change their party affiliation that they must do so by April 14, in order to participate in their new party’s Gubernatorial Primary Election on June 8.

“Voters often do not realize that the deadline to change their affiliation is set long before Primary Day,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado. “If you plan to change parties ahead of the June 8, 2021 Primary for Governor, please be aware that party declaration changes must be received by the Election Board by April 14.”

Ms. DiRado reminded voters that they can call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123 to confirm their party affiliation, as voters who conduct business with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Office often inadvertently change their party affiliation during their transition, and may not have even noticed it.

Party Affiliation changes are easy.  Voters can:

1. Update their party online at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register;
2. Request that a Party Declaration Form be mailed to them by calling 908-527-4123, or emailing ucboe@ucnj.org;
3. Request a form through the Union County Votes App; or
4. Download a form at https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form.pdf for an English form.

To download a form in Spanish, use https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form-spanish.pdf.

Calling the Election Board is the best way for voters ensure they are ready to vote for their party’s nominee for Governor.

The April 14 deadline does not apply to voters who are currently unaffiliated. They may declare their party at the polls on June 8.

Unaffiliated voters who vote by mail will have an opportunity to declare their affiliation when they receive their ballots. They receive a ballot for each party, and they return only the ballot for which they declare.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – In an effort to help connect Union County residents with guidance and resources on coping with alcoholism, the Union County Board of Commissioners is joining in a nationwide campaign in April to raise awareness about the facts and dangers of alcohol abuse.

“The Commissioner Board has a longstanding commitment to help the Union County community know the facts about alcohol, keep the lines of communication open, and ensure that our community has access to resources that can prevent or overcome alcohol abuse,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “That work is more important than ever during the COVID-19 crisis, and we are proud to reaffirm our commitment in partnership with countless others who are working to raise awareness.”

Alcoholism is a progressive disorder that results in severe health issues, and alcohol accounts for a significant proportion of substance abuse treatment admissions. In Union County, 35% of persons admitted for treatment list alcohol as their primary drug.

Even before the COVID-19 crisis began, alcohol was listed among the leading causes of preventable death in the U.S. The social and economic stress of the pandemic has worsened the problem.

Alcohol sales in the U.S. rose 54% at the beginning of the pandemic, according to a Nielsen survey. A recent study also demonstrates consumption has increased significantly since one year ago, with women accounting for a disproportionate share of the difference.

Alcohol consumption by women rose 17% since last year, compared to an increase of 14% for all genders. The study also tracked a 41% increase in heavy drinking by women.

The Union County awareness campaign is being conducted through the Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse in the Department of Human Services.

As part of the campaign, all Union County residents and visitors are encouraged to wear purple on April 16, which has been declared “Wear Purple Day” in support of the Alcohol Awareness Month program of the Council on Substance Abuse – National Council on Alcoholism.

By wearing purple, members of the public demonstrate that they support treatment and recovery for alcoholism, or that they know someone who has benefited from treatment.

The Commissioner Board will also support the campaign through social media, and by providing information on resources and guidance on the County website at ucnj.org/obhsa.

In addition, banners honoring Alcoholism Awareness Month will be hung in the lobby of the County Administration Building in Elizabeth, and County staff will distribute Alcohol Awareness ribbons.

A national helpline run by the Council on Substance Abuse – National Council on Alcoholism is available to the public at 800-662-HELP (4357) to provide free, confidential referrals and information on a 24/7, 365-day-a-year basis.

For more information about the awareness campaign in Union County, Gene Tavera, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinator, Division of Individual & Family Support Services, Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse, in the Union County Department of Human Services, at gene.tavera@ucnj.org or 908-527-4844.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.